The Ideal Bedroom Door: In-Swing Or Out-Swing?

There is no definitive rule about which way a bedroom door should swing – it's up to the homeowner to decide. However, most bedroom doors swing inwards, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, if a bedroom leads onto a hallway, an inward-swinging door is less likely to obstruct the path of someone walking by. Inward-swinging doors are also generally considered safer because the hinges are on the inside, making them harder to tamper with. Inward-swinging doors also allow for a better view of the room when opened, and are considered more aesthetically pleasing.

Inward-swinging doors are the norm

There is no definitive rule about which way bedroom doors should swing, but most bedroom doors swing inwards. This is because inward-swinging doors are considered to be more convenient, safer, and aesthetically pleasing.

Convenience

Inward-swinging doors are more convenient because they are designed to push to enter and pull to close. This is especially important for bedrooms that lead out onto a hallway, as outward-swinging doors could obstruct the path of someone walking by. Inward-swinging doors also make it easier to access light switches and wardrobes, which may be blocked by outward-swinging doors.

Safety

Inward-swinging doors are generally considered safer because the hinges are on the inside, making them less vulnerable to tampering. This is particularly important for child safety, as it is easier to break down an inward-swinging door if a child accidentally locks themselves in the room.

Aesthetics

Inward-swinging doors are often considered more aesthetically pleasing because they showcase the room when opened. This is especially true for bedrooms, which are considered a personal haven and an important space for rest and relaxation.

Feng Shui

According to Feng Shui philosophy, the bedroom is the most important room in the house and should always have inward-opening doors. This is believed to be more welcoming and to draw fresh energy into the space.

Safety and security

There are several safety and security considerations to take into account when deciding whether a bedroom door should swing in or out.

Firstly, inward-swinging doors are considered safer because the hinges are on the inside, making it harder for burglars to tamper with them and gain entry. Exposed hinges on outward-swinging doors are a security weak point, as they can be accessed and removed from the outside, making the room less secure.

In addition, inward-swinging doors provide better security against unwanted visitors. If someone knocks on your bedroom door and you don't want to let them in, it is more difficult for them to force their way in if the door swings inwards. They would have to break down the door by pushing it forward, which takes more force than pulling it towards them if the door swung outwards.

Another safety consideration is the obstruction caused by the swing of a door. Inward-swinging doors are less likely to accidentally bump into someone in a hallway as you exit the room. This is particularly important if the bedroom leads into a narrow hallway, as an outward-swinging door could encroach on the walkway and create a trip hazard.

Furthermore, inward-swinging doors are safer for children. If a child accidentally locks themselves in a bedroom, it is easier to break down an inward-swinging door to gain entry and help the child.

Finally, in the event of a fire, inward-swinging doors can provide an extra layer of protection by acting as a barrier to smoke and flames. Outward-swinging doors could potentially block escape routes and make it more difficult to exit the room.

While there is no definitive rule about which way bedroom doors should swing, considering safety and security is crucial when making this decision. Inward-swinging doors offer several advantages in terms of protection against unwanted entry, accidental injuries, and emergency situations.

Aesthetics

The direction in which a bedroom door swings can have an impact on the aesthetics of the room and the overall impression it gives. Inward-swinging doors are often considered more aesthetically pleasing because they hide the hinges, creating a tidier and more streamlined look. This is especially true if the door is a beautiful vintage wooden door or has other unique features worth showcasing. Outward-swinging doors, on the other hand, may expose the hinges, which can be a small but noticeable design detail.

Inward-swinging doors also provide a better view of the space inside the bedroom. When you open the door, you get a full view of the room, which can create a sense of openness and showcase your decor and furniture. This can be especially important in the bedroom, as it is often considered a personal haven where one can unwind and relax. An inward-swinging door can enhance this feeling of welcoming and inviting energy, pulling you into the room and creating a sense of peace and serenity.

Additionally, the swing direction of a door can impact the overall flow and balance of a space. Inward-swinging doors may provide a smoother entry and exit experience, especially in narrow hallways or spaces with furniture. They can also help to avoid obstructing light switches or other important features in the room. However, in some cases, an outward-swinging door may be necessary to avoid blocking certain areas, such as a light switch or wardrobe.

Feng shui principles also come into play when considering the aesthetics and energy of a space. According to feng shui, the bedroom is of utmost importance and should always have inward-opening doors. This is believed to create a more welcoming energy, pulling positive Chi-energy into the room instead of pushing it away.

Ultimately, the swing direction of a bedroom door can impact the overall aesthetic and feel of the space. Inward-swinging doors tend to be preferred for their ability to showcase the room, create a welcoming energy, and provide a tidier and more streamlined look. However, in some cases, outward-swinging doors may be necessary to avoid obstructions, and they can also offer unique design opportunities, such as showcasing a beautiful door itself.

Feng shui philosophy

Feng shui is a philosophy that looks at the flow of qi (life force energy) in a space to improve well-being. In feng shui, doors are referred to as the "mouth of qi" and are believed to regulate the flow of energy in a building. Here are some tips for bedroom doors based on feng shui philosophy:

Direction of the Door Swing

According to feng shui consultant Anjie Cho, it is generally better for doors to swing into a room rather than out of it. This is because, when the door swings into the room, the flow of qi is smoother, and you want clients and opportunities to be attracted and easily connect with you. Having the door swing towards you as you enter a room gives a feeling of pulling back rather than a natural movement forward.

Keeping the Door Open or Closed

Feng shui expert Lynn Taylor advises that there is no full closure on whether it is advantageous to keep bedroom doors open or closed. This is because feng shui signifies both flow and containment, and different areas are governed by these two principles. For example, transition areas and hallways are governed by flow, whereas bedrooms are energy containers where chi can collect and nourish the occupants. Therefore, keeping the bedroom door open or closed will depend on individual circumstances.

Taylor suggests that keeping the door open during the day can be beneficial as fresh air, light, and vibration are food for the bedroom. However, if the bedroom is located at the front of the house and facing a street or public area, keeping the door closed may be more important for privacy and a sense of closure. If the bed is right inside the door, it may be more comfortable to keep the door closed to maintain a specific boundary and enhance a sense of intimacy. Closing the door will also shrink the room and make it feel more cosy.

Location of the Bedroom

The location of the bedroom in the house is important. If the bedroom is at the front of the house, facing a street or public area, a sense of closure is more important, and keeping the door closed will help mitigate excess energy flowing towards the bedroom.

Activating the Front Door

Feng shui consultant Anjie Cho recommends activating the front door regularly by opening and walking through it at least once every nine days, or daily if possible. This is because the front door is the portal of energy for the home, and when qi can flow easily into the home, it brings abundance and ease. If the front door is never used, energy and opportunities are being blocked out.

Clutter and Cleaning

Feng shui consultant Anjie Cho notes that the front door area is often neglected when it comes to clutter and regular cleaning. Accumulated debris, shoes, coats, bags, rubbish, mail, and packages can create stagnation and close off the portal for good qi to enter the home. Additionally, the unconscious mind sees this clutter every time one enters the home, creating stress. Therefore, it is important to de-clutter and clean the front door area, including the interior and exterior sides and the edge, as well as the surrounding path.

Lighting

Lighting is important in the front door area as it brings in the fire element, which represents recognition and how one is seen in the world. Bright lighting, achieved through clean light fixtures and bulbs, clear glass, and bright ceiling paint, allows one to see and be seen with clarity and brightness.

Path to the Front Door

It is important to create a clear path to the front door so that good energy, prosperity, and opportunities can reach the occupants of the house. Obstacles along the path, such as confusion about how to reach the front door, will make it challenging for positive qi to enter.

Door Hardware

Feng shui consultant Anjie Cho recommends paying attention to the hardware on the front door, ensuring that the door and lock are not sticking and that the hinges are well-lubricated. These little obstacles can add up and affect one's well-being, so it is important to address them and provide ease and relaxation.

Front Door Challenges

Feng shui consultant Anjie Cho advises removing any sharp or pointed objects directed towards the front door. If the front door is aligned with another exterior door or window, place a feng shui crystal ball or a piece of furniture halfway between the two. A wall or staircase directly aligned with the front door and less than five feet away creates an energy block, which can be opened up by directing the eye to captivating objects like flowers or art placed to the right or left of the wall or stairs.

Outward-swinging doors can make sense

While most bedroom doors swing inwards, there are several reasons why outward-swinging doors can make sense.

Firstly, outward-swinging doors can help to avoid obstructions in the bedroom. For example, if a door opens inwards and bumps into a dresser, blocks a toilet, or makes a light switch inaccessible, it would be more practical for it to open outwards. This is especially relevant for smaller bedrooms or those with limited space.

Secondly, outward-swinging doors can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the room. By swinging outwards, the focus is drawn to the interior design and decor of the bedroom when the door is opened, rather than the door itself. This can create a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere, which aligns with the principles of Feng Shui, which considers the bedroom as the most important room in the home and advocates for inward-opening doors to pull in positive energy.

Additionally, outward-swinging doors can offer security benefits. With the hinges located on the outside, it becomes more challenging for burglars to tamper with them, providing an extra layer of protection for your home.

It's worth noting that outward-swinging doors may raise safety concerns, particularly in narrow hallways or high-traffic areas, as they could accidentally bump into someone passing by. However, this can be mitigated by ensuring there is sufficient clearance and taking into account the overall layout of the house.

Ultimately, the decision to have outward-swinging bedroom doors depends on various factors, including personal preference, the bedroom's size and layout, and the desired aesthetic. While it may be less conventional, there are valid reasons why outward-swinging doors can be a sensible choice.

Frequently asked questions